Conditions History

“A rugged yet scenic route in Red Rock National Conservation Area.”

Overview

Description

Rocky Gap Road is an out-and-back route on a rugged 4x4 route in Red Rock Canyon National Conservation area. While it's not singletrack, it's a scenic and less-technical alternative to the Cowboy Trails.

From mile 13 of the scenic drive in Red Rock Canyon National Conservation area, head northwest past the Willow Springs Picnic Area.

As the route enters the canyon, it passes the La Madre Springs trailhead and then bears left (southwest) up Red Rock Wash. There are a few drainage crossings on the lower end as the road climbs steadily.

After the waterfall canyon crossing, the route climbs out of the wash onto the steep sidehill of the canyon and then travels through a series of switchbacks. From here, the road gets narrower and more rocky as it heads toward the high point of the ride, Red Rock Summit.

At about 4.6 miles out, the road passes Switchback Spring and finishes a winding climb to Red Rock Summit. This is a great place to stop and have a snack.

Continue over the summit and coast back down into the bottom of the canyon. After the route hits the wash, it gets rougher again. Just before mile 7, the route is likely to be washed out and difficult to travel through including some navigation around a jumble of huge boulders. Past the washout, the road is rough in places, but is easier to pedal.

At about 8.5 miles out, stop at the edge of a bluff to take in the view. Below, you'll see Lovell Canyon Road in the bottom of the canyon. From here, the route takes a sharp turn to the right (north) and then descends. Pass through an open gate and navigate another tight turn to the left.

The route then turns back to the right and crosses Lovell Wash to the paved Lovell Canyon Road.